Cruising Whitsundays

Best Whitsunday Beaches – Hidden Gems & Popular Favourites

What ‘s one of the best parts of bareboating? Spending your days at one of the dozens of beaches scattered around the Whitsundays islands of course!

Whether you prefer a secluded enclave all to yourself, an long stretch of sand to wander along or a soft sand beach to play the all-time aussie fave, beach cricket, the Whitsundays has some of the best beaches in the world & they are all at your doorstep when you hire a boat with Charter Yachts Australia. Read on to discover a few of our favourites…

1. LANGFORD ISLAND

A.K.A The disappearing beach! Langford island is made up of a lush bluff at the west end and a tidal sand spit out to the east. Get there on a low tide and enjoy this little stretch of beach perfection with its view over looking Hayman, Black an Hook islands and corals reefs on the north side of the spit. Enjoy swimming & snorkelling with its resident turtle community, a game of beach cricket or a picnic lunch.

2. WHITEHAVEN BEACH, WHITSUNDAY ISLAND

Voted best beach in Australia year after year for good reason. This 7km stretch of beach earned its iconic mark with its famous silica sand & swirling sands of hill inlet at the north end – not to mention it’s crystal clear water & soft waves to lull you into relaxation while swimming! While the day crowds may deter you, our recommendation is to pull up late afternoon once the day boats have departed & enjoy having this famous beach all to yourself & seeing the sunrise from its east facing position the next morning. And bring your jewellery! The fine silica sand is a well-known local favourite for cleaning silver & gold.

3. BETTY’S BEACH, WHITSUNDAY ISLAND

Located across the other side of Hill Inlet from Whitehaven Beach, this little gem of a beach offers picturesque rock formations and greenery close to the water to hide away in the shade in between ocean dips. If exploring is more your thing than sun baking, wander up the beach into the inlet to try spot a stingray in the shallows!

4. CATSEYE BEACH, HAMILTON ISLAND

Take a break from boat life & dock at Hamilton Island marina for the day to head to Catseye Beach. Let someone else make the cocktails while you relax in one of the hammock scattered along the beach or get amongst the action of the many water sports on offer. A resort feel is prominent at this beach & is sure to keep everyone from kids to grownups happy with it’s cheerful island vibes & palm tree lined stretch of sand.

5. BLUE PEARL BAY & DOLPHIN POINT, HAYMAN ISLAND

With a name as beautiful as Blue Pearl it may have been hard live up to expectations, but this popular coral beach has found a loyal following with it’s rocky backdrop and coral gardens just waiting to be explored off the shore. A popular snorkelling & diving spot, most visitors never step foot on the beach but with your boats dinghy you have the privilege of being able to head to shore and discover secret enclaves such as Dolphin Point, or have it all to yourself once the crowds have gone for the day.

6. CHALKIES BEACH, HASELWOOD ISLAND

What do you get when you combine Whitehaven beach sand & fringing great barrier reefs? Chalkies beach! A local favourite for good reason, you’ll likely have this idyllic beach to yourself as the day tours head to its neighbour Whitehaven beach instead. Swim straight off the beach into coral gardens, watch the sunset over Whitsunday Island and enjoy the luxury of seclusion & privacy that bareboating promises with beaches like this.

7. CHANCE BAY, WHITSUNDAY ISLAND

When the northerlies roll in, this is where you will find us! A semi-circle of beach perfection, we love Chance Bay for its long stretch of soft yellow sand, protection from the wind and pretty lookout only a short walk up from the beach. A calm and quiet beach that is perfect for the kids to paddle in the clam waters, run & play along the sand and mum & dad enjoy a stress-free moment.